Is networking overrated

Dear Readers: Recently I got an email from a reader who was frustrated because he has been unable to land a job for a long time. I wrote back and suggested that he focus his efforts on networking. He wrote back to say that networking was worthless (he even “wished that legislation could be introduced to put columnists who offered advice to job seekers like ‘networking’ in the ‘poverty’ class”). I’m going to include my response to R.B. below, along with my case for networking and some do’s and don’ts for how to do it most effectively.Dear R.B.-What do you want me to say? Call Joe Smith at 416.384.4549, he’ll hire you?

Temp agencies, head hunters, want ads-all have helped people to land a job. But none have the success rate of networking.

Unfortunately many people go about networking the wrong way. It’s not about talking to people at your favorite bar, starting up a conversation with someone on a plane or calling every one of your cousins (although I’ve heard from people who’ve used each of those strategies successfully). Successful networkers contact people who have seen them at work and know what they can contribute. Think about it, would you want to risk talking up someone for an important job who you barely knew?

On the other hand, if you know how a person performs under pressure, if you know they are savvy and they’ve covered your back a time or two-well that is someone that you’ll go out of your way to help out. Because they’d do the same for you.

It’s no different from an employer’s perspective. Organizations like to hire someone they know, or someone who gets a personal referral from someone they trust. It’s basic human nature. Sending out hundreds of resumes can’t compare to a kind word from a former colleague. In fact, an HR person once said to me that the only reason he runs a want ad in the first place is because he’s failed to find someone through networking. Ironic isn’t it, networking is also the preferred way for employers to fill positions.

Right up there with networking in importance is attitude. Would you hire someone who has given up hope? I know R.B. you are feeling down on your luck. Sometimes you just have to fake it. Put on a favorite pair of jeans, go visit a friend who makes you feel good, volunteer-anything to trick yourself into feeling worthwhile. Then start networking as a person who appears to have some spirit left and you’ll be surprised at the results. Again, I can remember being broke, hungry and out of options. But somehow I psyched myself up and suddenly options started coming my way.

I brought up attitude because of the reference in your email that I should “join the poverty class.” I understand that you are frustrated, but biting the hands of people who are trying to help you won’t help you get a job.

Thought for the Week

“Don’t be irreplaceable. If you can’t be replaced, you can’t be promoted.” Anonymous

Readers Respond to the Role of Networking in a Job Search

Dear Readers: Recently I published an email that I wrote to R.B. who had attacked me for talking up networking. Everyone who wrote about this column defended networking as the best way to find a job, even the ones who were currently unemployed. I’ve included a few dispatches from the front lines, below:

“I read the letter you received by R.B. who wrote ‘that networking was worthless’ and ‘legislation …. columnists … in the ‘poverty’ class.’ The first thing that came to mind was that his network is working very well, in that it is protecting prospective employers from hiring this nitwit. You have taken a very conciliatory response to his letter and attitude, much to your credit. I am out of work as well, but I don’t expect someone to just hand me a job. I have built and maintain a network of contacts who are helping me find employment. It includes friends, family, neighbors, church contacts, fellow members of social clubs, fellow members of trade associations, counselors and consultants in health and government agencies (even my welfare worker is helping me look), my doctor, my dentist and my optician. It been two years and I have a disability which limits the job I am able to do. It would be a very dark day indeed before I would have the call the efforts these people are expending ‘worthless.’ You also wrote, ‘Temp agencies, headhunters, want ads — all have helped people to land jobs. But none have the success rate of networking.’ I consider the people in the temp agencies and headhunters to be part of my network too. Although it is not their job to find a job for me, it is in their best interest to find their clients a hard working and amiable person like me.”

“I totally agree, networking is the key. The chap that said it was useless and worthless is wrong.”

“I only got one job thru an agency. The others have all been through networking.”

“Just read your article. I know where this guy is. Trust me. I was/am in the financial services industry and was on top of the world before 9/11. I spent most of 4 1/2 years afterwards fruitlessly networking, head hunters and the like only to have to return to Toronto to get back in 2006. What saved my butt was perseverance and my volunteer work. NO MBA, CFA or like to improve my skill sets. My skill sets are fine. But he should network but also get the hell out of his rut. Do the volunteer thing. If he is as angry and such as I was then he needs to get away and think and do the YODA thing and relax. Maybe beat up some punching bags or three. Run or exercise to work the stress off. Otherwise Bob he’s got others like me who have come thru the wringer and he just needs to know that there is a turnaround. What goes down must come back up. Pass it on.”

Bob Rosner is a best-selling author, speaker and internationally syndicated columnist. Sherrie Campbell is a relationship and business professional, having applied her counseling background in a variety of challenging organizational settings. They’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic, especially if you have better ideas than they do. Also check out their complete column archive at workmash.org, “The Boss’s Survival Guide” and “Gray Matters: The workplace survival guide.” Send your questions or comments to bob@workmash.org.